21 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Indian para-athlete Nishad Kumar has delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, winning two gold medals in two consecutive days. His victories in the men’s T47 long jump and high jump events have added another memorable chapter to his sporting career and highlighted his determination to overcome challenges.
Nishad won his first gold medal in the men’s T47 long jump event on Monday, October 19, with a best effort of 7.11 metres. He followed that achievement with another gold medal in the men’s T47 high jump event on Tuesday, October 20, clearing 2.04 metres to establish a new Games record. His double-gold performance placed him among a select group of Indian athletes who have won two gold medals at a single edition of the Asian Para Games.
From a Childhood Accident to Sporting Excellence
Nishad’s journey to international success began with a life-changing accident during his childhood. At around six years of age, he lost his lower right arm in an accident involving a grass-cutting machine at his family’s farm in Amb, Himachal Pradesh. The incident brought significant challenges into his young life, but it did not prevent him from pursuing his ambitions.
Growing up in Himachal Pradesh, Nishad continued to develop his interest in sports. His mother, Pushpa Devi, a former state-level volleyball player, also played an important role in his sporting journey. With family support, discipline and persistent effort, he gradually built the foundation for a career in para-athletics.
Over the years, Nishad developed into one of India’s leading high jumpers. Rather than allowing his physical impairment to define his future, he focused on improving his technique, strength, balance and competitive performance.
His achievements demonstrate the importance of sustained training and determination in professional sport. They also highlight the opportunities available to athletes with disabilities when they receive the right support and access to competitive platforms.
Two Gold Medals in Two Days
The 2026 Asian Para Games provided Nishad with an opportunity to demonstrate his versatility across two different jumping events.
His first major success at the Games came in the men’s T47 long jump competition. Although high jump has traditionally been his strongest event, Nishad showed that he could also compete successfully in the long jump. His best attempt of 7.11 metres secured the gold medal and gave India an important victory.
The achievement was particularly significant because long jump required him to adapt several aspects of his technique. Unlike high jump, where athletes must clear a horizontal bar, long jump depends heavily on acceleration, the take-off, horizontal speed and landing technique.
Nishad returned to competition the following day for the men’s T47 high jump final. He cleared 2.04 metres to claim his second gold medal and establish a new Games record.
The performance confirmed his ability to excel in his specialist event while also delivering at the highest level in another discipline. Winning two gold medals in such a short period was a major achievement for both Nishad and the Indian contingent.
His results also made him only the third Indian athlete to win two gold medals in a single edition of the Asian Para Games. Archer Sheetal Devi and runner Ankur Dhama had previously achieved the feat at the 2022 Asian Para Games, held in Hangzhou in 2023.
A Career Built on Hard Work and Experience
Nishad’s latest success builds on an already impressive international career. He won silver medals in the men’s high jump at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. He also claimed the men’s T47 high jump title at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi in 2025, further strengthening his reputation as a leading para-athlete.
His progress in long jump has involved dedicated preparation and technical adjustments. Working with his long-time coach, Jeremy Fischer, Nishad focused on developing greater running speed, improving his take-off and refining his landing technique. The training process required him to adapt his approach while managing physical demands, including recurring knee pain.
During his preparation, he also trained in the United States, where he worked on strength, acceleration and the transition from his high-jump technique to the demands of long jump. These efforts helped him become more comfortable with the event and compete successfully at international competitions.
Nishad has also used a carbon-fibre prosthetic in long jump to help with balance during his run-up and landing. However, he competes in high jump without it, requiring him to adjust his approach according to the demands of each event.
His double-gold performance in Nagoya reflects the results of this preparation and his willingness to expand his abilities beyond his traditional speciality.
A Proud Moment for India
Nishad’s achievement has attracted widespread attention and praise in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on his high-jump victory, noting that his versatility and pursuit of excellence were remarkable. His two gold medals have further strengthened India’s campaign at the Asian Para Games.
The success also carries significance for aspiring athletes, particularly those who face physical or personal challenges. Nishad’s journey shows that setbacks can change the course of a person’s life without necessarily ending their ambitions. His progress has come through years of training, technical development, family encouragement and support from his coaching team.
His achievements also underline the importance of para-sports in India’s sporting landscape. International events provide athletes with disabilities opportunities to compete at the highest level, demonstrate their abilities and inspire future generations.
Looking Ahead to New Challenges
Despite his impressive performance in Nagoya, Nishad’s ambitions extend beyond the Asian Para Games. With the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games on the horizon, he will be looking to continue improving in high jump and long jump.
Balancing training loads, managing knee discomfort and refining his technique will remain important as he prepares for future international competitions. His success in Nagoya gives him valuable experience and confidence as he works towards his next goals.
For now, Nishad can celebrate a remarkable achievement: two gold medals, a Games record and recognition as one of India’s outstanding para-athletes. From losing his lower right arm in a childhood accident to reaching the top of the podium twice in two days, his journey is a powerful example of perseverance, discipline and sporting excellence.
His victories are not simply a story of medals. They represent years of effort, the support of his family and coach, and the determination to keep moving forward despite difficulties. Nishad Kumar’s remarkable performance in Japan has given Indian sports another inspiring moment and set a strong foundation for the challenges that lie ahead.